As healthcare providers, we often encounter patients who are battling cancer and experiencing the debilitating effects of cancer-related fatigue. This persistent and overwhelming sense of tiredness can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, limiting their ability to engage in daily activities, work, and social interactions.

Understanding Cancer-Related Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is a common and distressing symptom that can occur at any stage of the cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. It is characterized by a profound and sustained lack of energy, often accompanied by physical and cognitive impairments.

Factors that can contribute to cancer-related fatigue include:

• Anemia and sleep disturbances
• Cancer itself and its systemic effects
• Side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery
• Psychological and emotional factors, such as stress, depression, and anxiety

• Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating side effects experienced by individuals living with cancer. It can profoundly impact a patient’s quality of life, interfering with their ability to perform daily activities, maintain social connections, and engage in rehabilitation and treatment.

• Despite its prevalence, cancer-related fatigue is often underrecognized and undertreated by healthcare providers. Patients may not openly discuss their fatigue, and medical providers may not routinely assess and address this symptom during clinical encounters.

• Unmanaged cancer-related fatigue can lead to adverse outcomes, such as decreased treatment adherence, impaired physical and cognitive function, increased risk of falls, and even higher rates of hospitalization and mortality.

• Cancer-related fatigue is a complex, multifactorial condition that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the underlying cancer, treatment side effects, pain, sleep disturbances, emotional distress, and deconditioning. Addressing these contributing factors requires a comprehensive, multimodal approach.

• Research has shown that a combination of pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and lifestyle interventions can effectively manage cancer-related fatigue. Medical providers play a crucial role in identifying, assessing, and implementing these evidence-based strategies in collaboration with the patient.

• Effectively managing cancer-related fatigue often requires an interprofessional team approach involving physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive and coordinated approach to patient care.

I highly recommend checking out the “Rehab Techniques in Oncology” course on Embodia to further enhance your skills in managing cancer-related fatigue and other essential oncology physiotherapy techniques.

This comprehensive online course covers a wide range of topics, including:

• 🎥 3 hours of video lessons
• 🔄 Lifetime access
• 📜 Certificate of completion
• 📆 40+ page workbook covering cancer types, exercise considerations, assessment, training protocols, exercise log, and outcome measures

Enrolling in this course will give you the knowledge and practical skills to provide exceptional, patient-centred care to your oncology patients, empowering them to manage their fatigue and reclaim their quality of life.

Visit Embodia today to learn more about the “Rehab Techniques in Oncology” course and learn how you can further support those living with cancer.